On the night of December 21–22, the Russian armed forces conducted a massive strike using UAVs against various regions of Ukraine. Explosions were heard in several oblasts.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, a total of 86 drones were launched, most of which were successfully shot down. The Air Force command reported on Facebook:
“On the night of December 22, the enemy attacked with 86 Shahed-type strike UAVs, Gerbera and other drones… as of 08:30, air defense shot down/suppressed 58 enemy Shahed-type UAVs, Gerbera and drones of other types in the north, south, and east of the country. Hits by 26 strike UAVs were recorded at 12 locations, as well as the fall of downed drones (debris) at one location.”
The largest number of explosions was recorded in Odesa region. As reported by the regional administration, the target of the drones once again was the region’s critical infrastructure. As a result of the hits, there are injured civilians and infrastructure damage. The regional military administration reported:
“At night, the enemy once again attacked the energy and industrial infrastructure of Odesa region. There is damage to an energy facility followed by a fire. Unfortunately, one person was injured. They were hospitalized in moderate condition.”
The Odesa authorities are still workng to clean up the damage from previous strikes. Traffic across the bridge near the settlement of Maiaky has been restored; two days ago, Russian forces attacked it using ballistic missiles. This transportation artery is one of two that connect the southern Odesa region with the mainland part of Ukraine.
Local authorities also report that despite temporary transportation difficulties, medical facilities in the southern Odesa region continue to operate steadily and provide all necessary medical services to residents of the region.